Victoria is notorious for its confusing climate. But we think Melbourne’s famous “four seasons in one day” is just part of the fun. From world-class wineries, lush green national parks, Alpine towns and the spectacular scenery of the High Country, Victoria is sure to impress 4WD adventurers, both new and experienced alike. In this article, Offmain handpicked some of the best 4WD routes near Melbourne (1.5 hr-2hrs) ideal for spontaneous trips where you can just take off for the day without the need for much prep!
Note that due to Vitoria’s unpredictable weather, these spots have seasonal closures. Always check parks.gov.au for current closures before planning your trip. Read on to find our choices, we hope you will love them as much as we do. Comes see what’s around and how to get there.
1. Wombat & Lerderderg State Forests
How far:
1 hour (50 kms) from Melbourne.
What to do & see:
- Plenty of great 4WD tracks with river crossings and steep terrain, ranging from chill to extra challenging
- Various tracks for bushwalking ranging from shorter ones of a few hours to overnight ones (e.g. The Tunnel Walk for cool natural rock formations
- There are BBQ’s and toilets at the Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area and jump into the Lerderderg River for a swim or go fishing.
- Grahams Dam is a beautiful swimming spot accessible only by foot from the O’Briens Crossing campground
- Shaws Lake is a great spot for a picnic and a stroll to the historic goldmining town
Camping facilities:
O’Briens Crossing is a small campsite with toilets and BBQ. Water here needs to be treated before drinking. Check our drinking water tips here.
Amblers Crossing is a more remote site and accessible via Amblers Lane Track in northern part of the State Park. It is a quieter site next to a water crossing, perfect for the summer.
2. Bunyip State Park
How far:
1.5 hours (106 kms) east of Melbourne.
What to do & see:
- Many 4WD tracks with different levels of challenge
- Gentle Annie (43 kms) is a steep mountain terrains with rocky climbs, and worth the drive for the spectacular views of the Gippsland
- Blue Range (15 kms) takes you through spectacular views across the park to Westernport Bay. On the return trip, you'll pass through alpine drains and steep areas before descending into flat heathlands
- Horse riding at the The Heritage Horse Trail
- Several walking tracks ranging from less than an hour to 6.5 hours
Camping facilities:
- Nash Creek Campground has a toilet and shared picnic table.
- Bunyip Weir (Freemans Mill) Camping Area on the beautiful Bunyip River No toilet.
- Forest Road Camping Area has a non flush toilet
- Mortimer Camping Area is a great base for many walking tracks. Suitable for tents only
3. Toolangi State Forest
How far:
1 hour and 10 minutes (78 kms) northeast of Melbourne.
What to do & see:
- Several 4WD tracks:
- Rocky Track (2.4 kms) is short but a lot of the fun. Connected to Marginal track, which is notorious for the amount of bog holes
- Martins track includes a river crossing but can be overflowing in wet conditions. Recommended for experienced 4WDers. Other parts of the track has a variety of terrains
- Aeroplane track (5.3 kms) is arguably one of the most challenging tracks. Mostly mud and clay with deep ruts. Recovery is highly likely so better to travel in group and bring a winch
- Beginner-friendly walking trails. Most popular is Wirrawilla Walk, which is a short 30-minute return walk. Cool and shady with rainforest climate. Others worth exploring are Myrtle Gully Circuit, Tanglefoot Loop and Kalatha Giant Tree Walk
- Beautiful falls for fishing or cool dipping: Emily Falls, Sylvia Creek Falls, Murrindindi Falls and Cascade Falls.
Camping facilities:
Murrindindi Scenic Reserve has long drop toilets available. Treat water before drinking. Wood BBQ available but BYO firewood.
Two Hills is a bush campsite with no facilities
4. Marysville
How far:
1 hour 40 mins (97kms) northeast of Melbourne
What to do & see:
- Several 4WD tracks mostly for those who love a challenge
- Strickland Spur Track has some fun rocky climbs, more suitable for experienced 4WDers. High ground clearance. Low range and Mud to Extreme Mud terrain tyres required. This is rated as a Black Diamond Track.
- Paradise Plains Rd offers a hilly drive (the views at Keppel Lookout is heavenly)
- Lady Talbot Drive has a river crossing
- In winter, climb up Mount Matlock to see some snow
- Various walking tracks. Check out Tree Fern Gully, Cumberland, Steavenson Falls and Michaeldene trail
Camping facilities:
There are a few camping sites within the Marysville State Forest: Keppel Creek Camping Area, Anderson Mill and Keppels Hut. Numerous bush camping sites are available in the adjacent Big River State Forest. Some have toilets and all have fireplaces.
5. Mount Disappointment
How far:
1 hour 17 mins (82kms) north of Melbourne
What to do & see:
- Many challenging 4WD tracks
- Stony Creek Track is in the middle of Stony Creek and includes a light river crossing
- Quarry Track has some steep rocky climbs
- The Ladder Track is one of the most challenging tracks with bog holes and a serious tilt
- Plenty of walking tracks. Most popular is Strath Creek Falls. Also check out Summit Walk, Sunday Creek & Reservoir Walk
Camping facilities:
Regular Camp, Andersons Garden and No. 1 Camp. Most visitor and camping areas have picnic tables, fireplaces, and toilets.
Alright, that’s our selections of the best 4WD spots near Melbourne. We hope you enjoyed reading, but more importantly, we hope you’ll take your 4WD out there and quench your thirst for adventure! Let us know how you go and tag us on Instagram @offmain.offroad
At Offmain, we believe that 4WDing and outdoor adventure is for everyone, and getting started should be easy. Founded by a team of female 4WDers and a rookie hiking adventurer, Offmain is a positive and inclusive community for people of all experience levels, from those researching Vehicles, Camping and adventure options - all you need is the love to explore.
Come on an adventure with us 🥳
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